Flights to the Isle of Wight

Flying to the Isle of Wight can be an adventure in itself, even though there are no direct commercial flights to the Island. Here’s everything you need to know to make your journey to this charming destination on the south coast of England as smooth as possible.

International travel to the Isle of Wight

If you’re flying to the Isle of Wight from abroad or outside the UK, start your journey via major London airports or regional hubs:

London Airports: Gatwick and Heathrow are your primary gateways. From these airports, you can:

• Coach or Bus: Travel to Portsmouth or Southampton, where you can catch a ferry to Ryde or Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
• Train: Board a train with a ferry-inclusive ticket to various Isle of Wight ports, including Yarmouth, West Cowes, East Cowes, Fishbourne, or Ryde.
• Taxi: Take a direct taxi to the ferry terminals for a hassle-free transfer.

Regional Airports: For a shorter connection, fly into Southampton or Bournemouth:

• Southampton Airport: Take a train from the airport station to Southampton Central, then hop on the free shuttle bus to the Red Jet ferry to West Cowes.

Private flights to the Isle of Wight

It is possible to fly private aircraft to the Isle of Wight, with airport facilities available at Sandown and Bembridge.

Isle of Wight Airport Sandown

Since 1935 Isle of Wight Airport Sandown has been a popular airfield for many flying to the Island. The airport is located on the outskirts of Sandown, a seaside town situated East of the Isle of Wight. The grass surface, all weather runway is 884m x 40m and fuel is available on a self-serve basis. 

The airport is open all year and radio coverage at the tower is available between 09:00 to 17:00 local time or sunset (whichever is earlier), seven days a week. Flamping is available for pilots to camp onsite for overnight stays.

Bembridge Airport

Bembridge Airport is located within the East of the Island and has two runways. The main hard runway is 827m long and parallel to this is the grass runway - call first to use the grass runway to obtain condition and serviceability first. The airfield opens at 09:00 and the radio operating times are 09:30 to 16:30 in Summer and 10:00 to 15:30 in Winter on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. 

On the edge of Bembridge Airport is The Propeller Inn providing home cooked meals using locally sourced produce. Perfect place to get a bite to eat and watch the planes land. 

Pleasure flights & flying lessons

Experience the Isle of Wight from the air! Take in the landscape and sights of the Isle of Wight from the air in a light aircraft or helicopter and enjoy a pleasure flight. Or learn how to fly a light aircraft or microlight with two of the flying schools based at the Sandown airport.

Re-fuel yourselves!

After your flight visit the Island Bistro at Sandown Airport which is situated adjacent to the tower. Try the popular wood fire pizzas, BBQ food and there are always daily specials on offer using as much local produce as possible. Enjoy stunning views and watch the sunset from the all-weather outside seating area. Live music is a regular feature at the airport as well as other entertaining events. Don’t miss the Wight Aviation Museum to learn more about the Isle of Wight's rich aviation history. 

Or if you are at Bembridge, be sure to enjoy a meal at The Propeller Inn, located right by the airport, offering home-cooked meals with locally sourced ingredients. It's a great place to grab a bite and watch the planes land.